Ross Gay is an acclaimed American poet and essayist known for his lyrical and deeply introspective works that explore themes of joy, gratitude, and the complexities of human experience. Born in 1974 in Youngstown, Ohio, and raised in Levittown, Pennsylvania, he holds an MFA in poetry from Sarah Lawrence College and a Ph.D. in American Literature from Temple University. Gay is the author of several celebrated books, including the award-winning "Catalog of Unabashed Gratitude" and "The Book of Delights," a collection of essays inspired by a year-long daily practice of looking for delight. He teaches at Indiana University.